Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Rio de Janeiro can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Rio de Janeiro?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $98Rio de Janeiro $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $98, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Manila and Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $50Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $100Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Manila and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Rio de Janeiro? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Manila Hotel Prices and Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Rio de Janeiro $8.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $150
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $18
- Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $19
- Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $20
- Rio Santos Dumont (SDU): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer to/from GIG Airport: $20
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Transfer from Santos Dumont Airport to Zona Sul Rio: $26
- Private Transfer Economic GIG / SDU up to 4 pax to South Zone: $26
- One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $27
- Private transfer Minivan GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Zona Sul: $28
- Transfer: Galeão Airport(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro City: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Manila change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayManila $29Rio de Janeiro $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.60
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks: $0.21
- Rio's Vegan Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $50
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Afro-Brazilian Street Food Tour: $62
- Scenarium Nightclub Entry with Dinner Option: $64
- Brazilian Breakfast Cooking Class in Rio: Bake and Blend: $68
- Feijoada Food Tour with Transfers: $72
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner n Rio with Wine Pairing: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings & a Secret Dish: $80
- Rio: Roxy Dinner Show – Aquele Abraço Show Ticket: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Rio de Janeiro $22
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.55
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.57
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.43
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.29
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Free walking tour around Histórico Rio Downtow and Lapa: $12
- Yup Star Observation Wheel Ticket: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.17Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub crawl at clubs and bars in Copacabana. Live music, shots and more: $19
- Rio: The madness is here. Fun pub crawl in Lapa: $25
- Rio: More than a Pub Crawl - an authentic nighttime experience: $27
- Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal. Night with live music, dancing, shots: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Pedra do Sal w/ live samba and caipirinhas: $30
- Rio: Botafogo Bar Crawl - Eat & Drink like a Local: $30
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $39
- Lapa Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $41
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro than you might in Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Rio de Janeiro?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Rio de Janeiro, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Manila or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Manila is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Manila or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Rio de Janeiro. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Manila is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Manila or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Manila is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Manila
| Manila | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.